[Songs I'd love women to sing!] Popular ballads performed by female artists

Accompanist / Piano InstructorYuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.

Many women say they love singing ballads, don’t they?

At karaoke, there are times when you don’t just want to hype up the room with upbeat tracks—you also want to deliver something tender and heartfelt.

So in this article, we’re introducing ballad songs by Japan’s leading female artists!

We’ve picked a wide range: from universally known masterpieces and timeless staples to the latest hits.

If you’re thinking, “I want to know popular ballads I can sing at karaoke,” or “I’m looking for Japanese ballads sung by women,” be sure to check this out.

Each track is unique yet soothing and moving—songs that heal our hearts and leave a lasting impression.

[Songs I Want Women to Sing!] Popular Ballads Sung by Female Artists (21–30)

HappinessChe'Nelle

Che’Nelle – Happiness ft. Nao Matsushita

Happiness Chanel

This song, which brought her clear voice and vocal ability to the public, is the theme song of the drama Dear Sister.

It really captured women’s hearts.

The mix of her English and Japanese lyrics resonates beautifully.

On lonely nights, listen to this song and let your beautiful tears flow.

Highly recommended as a ballad by a female artist.

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hanatabamilet

milet “hanataba” Music Video (Theme song for TBS Sunday Drama “Antihero”)

hanatabamilet

Milet is known for her husky vocals and globally minded songwriting.

This track was written specifically as the theme song for the drama “Anti-Hero.” Featuring powerful vocals and delicate melodies, it delivers emotionally rich, dramatic pop music.

Released on June 5, 2024, the song embraces one’s own weaknesses while singing about the support of a loved one, and is sure to resonate with many listeners.

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moonlightChihiro Onitsuka

Chihiro Onitsuka – Gekkou (Moonlight)

Moonlight Onitsuka Chihiro

When it comes to Chihiro Onitsuka, this is the song everyone thinks of—it leaves that strong an impression.

The lyrics convey a sense of despair, but when Chihiro Onitsuka sings them, even such a song feels beautiful and fleeting.

It’s a masterpiece that resonates in the heart precisely because her voice is powerful and dynamic, yet somehow tinged with sadness.

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Goodbye, my beloved.Hana*Hana

Hana*Hana “Goodbye, My Beloved”

Goodbye, my beloved person — Hana*Hana

It’s a song released in 2000 that became a big hit.

Written and composed by member Izumi Kojima, it was created as a dedication to her late grandfather, and even Spitz has covered it.

The emotions that only those who have lost someone dear can understand—an abrupt farewell is unbearable, isn’t it? Those pent-up, directionless feelings come through so strongly that it becomes hard to hold back.

The contrastingly bright melody may be the very emotion she wanted to convey to the person she loved.

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youHikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada 'Anata'

You, Hikaru Utada

A song in which Hikaru Utada’s voice, brimming with deep love and tenderness, warmly embraces the listener’s heart.

It begins with a quiet piano melody, and the majestic sound woven by the strings beautifully expresses the depth of feelings for a loved one.

Released digitally in December 2017, this track was written as the theme song for the film “DESTINY: The Tale of Kamakura,” and is said to depict a mother’s cherished feelings for her child.

It’s also popular at weddings and makes a perfect gift as a song that conveys heartfelt emotions at moments when you want to deepen your bond with someone you love.

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A Bouquet for YouHikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada – A Bouquet for You

A Bouquet for You by Hikaru Utada

Released on April 15, 2016, this is Hikaru Utada’s fourth digital-only single.

It was chosen as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Toto Nee-chan.” Centered around a simple piano accompaniment, it beautifully highlights Utada’s heartrending vocals.

A medium-tempo ballad perfect for dedicating to someone special.

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NautilusYorushika

Yorushika – Nautilus (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Nautilus Yorushika

A song by Yorushika, a two-person rock band consisting of composer n-buna and vocalist suis, who perform without revealing their faces or detailed profiles.

The track is included on their second album, Elma, and was used as the main theme for the drama Kotonoha.

With a gentle piano-and-vocal intro, a rock-sounding B section, and a chorus featuring acoustic guitar, its dynamic arrangement is sure to energize any karaoke session.

Though it’s a challenging piece, it’s definitely a number we’d love to hear sung by a female vocalist.

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